That's right.
I said it.
And yes, it's only October.
I'd like to introduce you to the
UmberDove 2012 Calendar: Creatures I Have Known
Inspired by the feathered, the hooved, the furred and the winged who catch my eye and steal my heart on any given day. By the restless ones, the cheerful ones, the small busy bodies who comfort me and entertain my laugh. By the dawn song and the rustle in the ferns. By the tiny gifts, the slightest clues left behind for my seemingly bottomless pockets. By those who bring me joy. Painted in hopes to bring a sliver of their jubilance to you.
A few highlights from the cast of characters...
This calendar represents hours upon hours spent sketching, drafting, drinking tea, laying watercolor grounds, layering paint colors, drinking more tea, adding highlights, painting details, eating milk chocolate sea salt toffee bars (thank you Whole Foods), scanning, editing, proofing, photographing and finally, sending my little flock off to the printers.
WHEW.
Needless to say, pulling off a calendar is a LOT of good hard time put in the studio.
Now that it's officially done, I'm ready to celebrate.
Care to join? Here's how:
1. Pour a gin and tonic (Sapphire with a whole lime squeezed - do not skimp here!)
2. Pack a suitcase for a weekend jaunt up North
3. Take 30 to 40 more photos of your puppies doing really cute things like spooning-sleeping
4. Take the rest of the evening off an paint your toes a ravishing shade of teal
OR
You could just leave a comment below and be entered to win one of these markers of months, the 2012 Calendar!
I'm giving away THREE because three is such a lucky number.
All you need to do is leave one (and only one please) comment - say whatever you like - and you'll be in the running! The contest starts now (bang!) and will end Wednesday, October 26th in the Evening Sometime with the three winners announced the following day after I've had coffee (these are scientifically precise times, no need to worry yourself with the details).
GOOD LUCK!!
It is my additional delight to offer up these brand spanky new paintings in the Shop! I'll be listing all twelve this evening, each one an UmberDove original, watercolored and gouached (maybe a word? maybe not?) on archival paper and AS EVER so much more nuanced in person.
Utterly.
My.
Delight.
~ Umber ~
93 comments:
Your watercolor paintings inspire me! I'm not a painter... I'm actually a designer of knitting patterns, and I don't do charted images, but your colors and subject matter give me lovely ideas for stitches, and new colorways for dyed yarns.
Huzzah! That would have been my bestest guess as to what you were up to! Congrats dear - each and every one looks superbly wonderful and beautifully YOU - I LOVE THEM! And if I don't win one I will certainly buy one or several =)
I am not surprised to find out this is what you had up your sleeve! Just gorgeous! I must have one!
How beautiful! I love seeing all the new creations that emerge from your studio. The calendar is brilliant.
Hi, This is I think my first comment on your blog, who could resist such temptation. These are absolutely stunning creations. I will be sure to buy at least one once they enter your shop.
These are gorgeous!! I love your sense of design, so perfectly balanced like the nature that you so delicately paint.
Kelly, these are so beautiful...you are a master of the watercolor! Each creature seems so filled with spirit and individuality :) and the colors...Oh so perfect!!!! I hope I make it to the shop In time to snag one! Aloha!
Oh my goodness! These are just so absolutely beautiful! I love your blog and am usually too shy to comment...but this is not the occasion to me shy :)
xo
I
AM
SPEECHLESS
gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous
you are a talent!
I already bought 2012 calendar for my studio, BUT I already checked and it looks great in the kitchen, so you know what that means...I get to work with the Dove Creations inspiring me!!!!
love and light
This calendar promises a year full of adventures like hanging out with small children, going on nature walks, and gathering a treasure or two. Love your style, Umber!
Just lovely! Sign me up please!!
You have done a beautiful job!
It must be such a great feeling to step back and look at the finished piece.
LOVE, love, love the fox!
I would be so happy to hang this calendar in my studio!
: )
Your work is so inspiring. Seems everything you create flows with beautiful energy.
I'd love to see new work each month through the year!
Kate
Hello! I've been lurking in the dark corners of blogosphere but I simply have to "de-lurk" so that I can win one of these calendars!
Your paintings are so beautiful. I've been wanting one of your paintings since discovering your blog. I wonder if you'll offer the calendar for sale in your shop? Would love to grab one of I don't win this giveaway.
Beautiful as always.... a labour of love. Thanks so much! I love the bright colours and variety of creatures :) Even though I've left a comment, I just might have to do those other things too!
Thanks
Cait
Beautiful! I would love to hang one of these in my craft room to admire it. Thanks for the chance to win!
Such a beautiful calendar! Maybe I'll win it just in time for my birthday. I love how you paired the inspirations with the paintings.
xoxo Kim
wow. just wow. gorgeous work... !!!!!! :)
Everything you do is so beautiful, it is beyond words. To own one would be glorious. To own a calendar full of your works would make me jump up and down every time I would lay my eyes on it (and that would be a lot-I might want to carry it with me at all times). Thank you. From the bottom of my soul, for being you, and inspiring me to be me. You are simply lovely! =)
how wonderfully generous!
seeing your watercolors makes me want to pull out my tubes and brushes.
you are always an inspiration.
Eek, I love the calendar. If I were to be so lucky as to receive one of these calendars, my baby boy would have a blast checking out the "burds" and "unnies" (he's still working on enunciating :)
Absolutely stunning, love. You've outdone yourself. Just beautiful! <3
i'm quite smitten with your work.
but. then again. you already know that. one could say i'm an umber dove collector. already.
love love LOVE the calendar!
xx
Ahhhhhhhhh. Satisified sigh. I have an. . tic. . i. .pated these since you first hinted of them :)
Soul healing beauties. Thank you.
Eeeeeekkkk!
This calender would make nice and cosy next to my gorgeous Umber sea stones that were so lovingly painted.
I promise, i'd hold on to it well past 2012 had come and gone, just to marvel at your art!
Wow, this calender would make the year 2012 a real spectacular one, I'm sure! (But I wont grieve if I don't win cause I JUST BOUGHT ONE OF THE ORIGINALS!! SO EXITED!!) Thank you for creating such goodness!
Bow howdy, its gorgeous! Those fingers of yours are magic. Now, while I can't go the gin and tonic... I can do tea and oats with yoghurt, home poached pears and almonds! Love from us three to you. Happy calendaring Dove xx
oh heck yeah. swooning over that calendar miss dove!
Oh my goodness, these are simply beautiful! The colours, the softness, the whimsy...just stunning. You have such a gift!
I love it! My favorite is November, I love the colors in it.
i looovee your work:)so i would be the most happy person in work if i win:)this calendar is amazing:)
These are gorgeous! I would love to have one in my home :)
Umber Dove,
You are so talented. These are GORGEOUS! I am praying to win!! Hehehe!!!
God Bless and LOTS of LOVE!
shineonchild@hotmail.com
such beautiful work! love them all.
I would love nothing more than a copy of your calendar.
oh wow...yes please!
xxoo
kiss the furries for me please!!!!
As always, I am enamored with your work!
Amazing work! Can't wait to get a copy!
as always, everything your hands create is pure beauty and light...lovely work, dear umber. just beautiful! xo.
Hi Umber,
I've never posted on your blog before, but I love your work! I would be honored to hang your beautiful paintings on my wall for a whole year.
Hearts,
Stacey
My little home would welcome the warm cheer of your lovely calendar. :)
Umber, your paintings are bea-ut-iful! Love the calender :)
I have never wanted a calendar more than I would like to have yours in my home. And that's saying a lot, because one year I had a calendar called 'Nuns Having Fun'....
Oh my gosh. Those are amazing!! I can't wait to own one, whether winning or buying!! So inspiring.
I always feel there is no point in trying to enter a competition, I am so unlucky. But to own something that you created, that would be a dream, you are so inspiring and paint like I do in my dreams.
So here I go - reach for the stars - I'm in for the comp xxx
woot! consider me entered for such a lovely way to mark one's journey through 2012! lovely.
Awesome, I love inspiring calenders! Keep up the great work :).
Oh, I just love calendars, and your calendar is spectacular! Put my name in the hat too!
I'm in, baby!
Also, milk chocolate sea salt toffee bars? DUDE. Delicious. I'll be stalking Whole Foods this weekend, thanks to you!
Woah! This is so so beautiful. I WANT IT ON MY WALL!
I can has calendar, pleeeze?
Mommy needs to keep track when to feed me. Mommy is bizzy and duz not have the time to enjoy nature as much as she wud like to. Oh look a squirrel! OK, I'm back.
I thinks the pretty pictures will make her happy.
Wow! What a delightful calendar you have created! my first thought was.. "how can I get my hand on one if these, and support a wonderful woman in the process!" your lovely and I am really loving getting to know you through your blog posts! Thanks for pouring your heart out and making each day special, like I am sure your calendar would do <3
-Britt
Such beautiful paintings Kelly! You are one talented lady ;) A calendar is a fab idea, I can't think of a nicer way to welcome each month than with a new painting by you x
I cannot think of a better way to go through 2012 but gazing calmly at your delightful watercolor calendar...I visit here frequently and am not a big comment gal, but these just tickled my fancy! With fingers crossed!
Sneaky girl! Love the calendars but then again everything you touch is magical! XoXO
such amazing watercolors. your work is infused with a spirit full of lightness.
Oh lady, I am always surprised by how inspiring your critters can be! Let's hope lucky numbers follow me for another year. Cheers!
Ever since reading your blog I've dreamed of you finally making another one of these! If I don't win it, I hope I get to buy one at least!
Ah, its is gorgeous and the hard work is definitely palpable!
I'm certain each day would count if I counted them with these creatures. I'd like to bathe in those color washes.
These are beyond gorgeous! Would love to have one hanging in my new home.
Don't think I can pick a favorite. Amazing.
Fantastic, every one! I think I might love the quail the most though, I do have a thing for quails. Or the chickadee...
Oh, She's my Calendar girl..
Woo, ohh, sweet calendar girl...
Nothing like a little Neil Sedaka for luck!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUlOyj9F5gM)
Beautiful! You make me wish I could draw :) I'll be buying one if I don't win.
What a magnificent year to look forward to!
Lovely, as always! x o x
xoxo
i think i just left my comment as an etsy convo before i even saw this post...so...refer to that arena of electronic communication for some of my sentiments on this GORGEOUS project...
i wish you were here to mix me a g&t RIGHT NOW. this monday's tough...
Oh me, oh my, your calendar is gorgeous!! Fingers crossed. :)
Gosh, each and every one of those critters just make you smile. Love the calendar! Delightful. Can't wait to get my mitts on one. :)
You are so talented!! I would treasure the opportunity to own a calendar made by the dove!! :-)
Warmly,
Amy
Oh so lovely!
What a stunning way to start the year! I love your work, vision and most of all, your spirit! You've out done yourself with this awesome project! YAY you!
Kelly I love your creativity! I got SOOOO excited about these I ended up purchasing TWO originals. Cannot wait to see them. :D I ordered one and then could not help myself and ordered another... You are very talented. You are beautiful on the inside and out.
UmberDove is the greatest!!!
xo
What a gorgeous collection. I must have one! Beautiful work (as always), Kelly!
Beautiful calendar! Have admired your paintings for some time now, and would be tickled pink to see these watercolors on my desk everyday at work.
Beautiful calendar! Have admired your paintings for some time now, and would be tickled pink to see these watercolors on my desk everyday at work.
I'm incredibly picky when it comes to the calender I choose to adorn my walls with...but yours is sheer perfection! I'm crossing my fingers :)
I am incredibly picky when it come to choosing a calender that will adorn my wall for the entirety of 12 months! But yours is spectacular. I'm crossing my fingers :)
I love ALL of these creatures! So great for a calendar... beautiful!
Your paintings are pure magic.
Drat! I should have known I was signed in under my husband!
Anyways, straight from my mouth, your paintings are pure magic!
Good heavens I nearly missed it!!!
Phew. :)
See you in a mere number of hours.
xoxoxo,
Allison
I'm feeling lucky and my fingers are crossed. I would love to be the proud own of one of your calenders! You did a gorgeous job!
hope it's not too late! Love the artwork!
These would be a wonderfully useful and inspirational addition to my home studio ...please, please, please!
I've been waiting for the post where you tell us they're in the shop. And then I find THIS post! So beautiful, Kelly!
You are an artistic wonder woman! Crossing my fingers, eyes and toes that one of these lovelies will be hanging on my walls!
I may be too late and that is alright! I am going to purchase one of these magic things right now before they are gone!
Doing the hustle to Etsy pronto.
doo doo doo doodoo do do do...
Oh my, these are so gorgeous!! I would love to be entered to win. I will surely be buying one anyway.
Somehow I missed out on the giveaway so congrats to the lucky winners. These are beautiful paintings.
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